Officials at the FedEx plant in Maspeth are making preparations for one large shipment.
The international shipping giant is planning to shut down its Maspeth Ground distribution center and move it to a new, 14,000-square-foot facility on Borden Avenue in Long Island City.
Construction of the new plant will cost an estimated $56 million, including the cost of land at the “premiere location”, a company spokesperson said.
“The new facility is part of a nationwide expansion to boost daily package volume capacity and further enhance the speed and service capabilities of the FedEx Ground network,” FedEx Ground spokesperson David Westrick said.
FedEx Ground was attracted to the Long Island City location for a number of reasons, Westrick said.
“The site was chosen because of its ease of access to major highways, its proximity to customers’ distribution centers and a strong local community workforce for recruiting employees.”
The project will be developed by the North Carolina SunCap Property Group LLC, which will own the property in a partnership with Lexington Realty Trust. FedEx will lease the plant, which will be built by Aurora Contractors of Ronkonkoma, L.I.
FedEx owns the site of its current facility on Grand Avenue in Maspeth. No plans have been developed for future use of the site.
FedEx Ground will relocate when construction of the new plant is completed in 2013. The new center is located on the same block that is currently home to FreshDirect, which will move to The Bronx in 2015.
The facility will be larger and contain more automated package sorting systems than the existing station, allowing FedEx to better serve customers in the area.
Westrick said 120 people work at the Maspeth site and each employee would be offered an opportunity to relocate to Long Island City. FedEx will hire additional workers as necessary to meet its expanding business demands.
Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, in a prepared statement, applauded the company’s decision to move to Long Island City, particularly in light of the 1,600 full-time and 600 part-time jobs that will disappear when FreshDirect moves.
“The area is already zoned for the heaviest manufacturing uses,” Marshall said. “It also has nearby access highways.
“Hopefully, it will also boost local businesses affected by the departure of FreshDirect,” Marshall said.
Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer said he is also in favor of the FedEx move and that he will work with company officials to maintain quality of life for residents.
“Keeping jobs in New York City is a major part of this move. I also believe there could be an increase in customers at some local restaurants, cafes and other businesses.
“We are looking forward to working with FedEx to resolve concerns of increased truck traffic in the area. We are pleased that major companies like JetBlue and FedEx have chosen to make Long Island City their home,” Van Bramer concluded.
Marshall remained upbeat about the future of the Maspeth site soon to be vacated by FedEx.
“We do not believe that this large industrial site will remain vacant for long,” Marshall said. “Our feeling is that it will provide an opportunity, not become a liability.”
